Safran to maintain RTM-322 helicopter engines

May 19 (UPI) -- Safran Helicopter Engines is to provide support services for German military NH90 helicopters powered by RTM-322 turboshaft engines.

The seven year contract with BAAINBw, or the Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support, covers a fleet of 100 aircraft.

"With this contract, German Army and Navy will benefit from a very effective engine-support for their RTM322 engines, especially during their operational tasks," a representative of BAAINBw said in a press release. "This contract is the result of a very good and fruitful partnership between us and Safran Helicopter Engines."

The Safran RTM-322 engine is a 2,100 to 2,600 shaft horse-power engine for use by helicopters weighing between 10 tons and 15 tons.

Safran Helicopter Engines said RTM-322 engines power 80 percent of NH90 helicopters around the world and 60 percent of Leonardo Helicopters EH101 Merlins in service.

The new contract with Germany for servicing of NH90 army and navy helicopter engines will be managed by Safran Helicopter Germany.